Targeting dendritic cells with antigen containing liposomes.

Using a novel patented technology for anchoring targeting molecules onto lipid membranes, researchers at ANU have shown that they can target antigen-containing stealth liposomes and tumour-derived plasma membrane vesicles directly to dendritic cells, to enhance the body's immune response against cancer.

This novel type of vaccine which targets the body's dendritic cells was tested in mice. The vaccine induced strong anti-tumuor responses and therapeutic effect in mice bearing the highly metastatic B16-OVA melanoma, prolonging their disease-free survival. The targeting of antigen to DCs in this way could be an effective procedure for enhancing tumour immunity and immunotherapy, and plans are underway to test this approach in patients with metastatic melanoma. The work is being sponsored by Lipotek Pty Ltd.

van Broekhoven, C.L., Parish, C.R., Demangel, C., Britton, W.J. and Altin, J.G. (2004) Targeting dendritic cells with antigen-containing liposomes: a highly effective procedure for induction of anti-tumor immunity and for tumor immunotherapy. Cancer Research 64, 4357-4365. (Cover feature and research paper).